Ridgefield City Councilmember Rachel Coker resigned Position 2 on City Council effective April 17, 2023. Rachel will continue to be active in the Ridgefield community. You may find her participating in community events, volunteering for the Ridgefield Lion’s Club, continuing an active role in the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce, visiting the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge or sitting at Eagle’s Nest Lookout Park enjoying a light spring rain and the sound of singing birds.
Councilor Coker moved to Ridgefield in search of a better education and community for her family. She was appointed to the Parks Advisory Board in 2019 and brought her background in business and her experience in various communities to the City Council when she was appointed in 2021. While on Council she has been an advocate for the protection of our natural spaces and resources, the sustainability of our community in the ways it grows and operates, and the continued robust education of Ridgefield youth.
When informed of the resignation, Mayor Jennifer Lindsay said: “I want to thank Rachel for her contributions to the Council and the Ridgefield community. She has always asked thoughtful and analytical questions about policies and projects, and brought an important voice to Council decisions. She will be missed.”
State law provides that City Council “shall appoint a qualified person to fill the vacant position.” Since Position 2 is scheduled to be voted on by Ridgefield residents during the November 7, 2023 election, the appointee will fill Position 2 until the election is certified, November 28, 2023.
The timeline for filling the Council vacancy is as follows:
May 5, 2023: Applications due to City Clerk by 12:00PM (noon)
May 6-8, 2023:Council will review applications to determine candidates who will move forward in the process.
April 28-May 11, 2023: Residents may submit questions online at RidgefieldRoundtable.org for Council members to consider asking candidates during the interview.
May 11, 2023:At its regularly scheduled meeting, City Council will interview candidates and appoint a new Councilmember. The New Councilmember will be sworn in and attend the regularly scheduled Council meeting.
To be considered, your application packet must be completed and received by the City Clerk either online or at Ridgefield City Hall, 230 Pioneer Street, Ridgefield, WA 98642 no later than May 5 at 12:00PM. Application packets received after 12:00 PM will not be considered. Additional written information after this date will not be considered, unless requested by the City Council.
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Submit a Question for City Council Appointment Candidates
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FAQ
Why is there a Vacancy on Ridgefield City Council?
Rachel Coker resigned Position 2 on City Council effective April 17, 2023, resulting in a vacant position. State law provides that “the remaining members of the governing body shall appoint a qualified person to fill the vacant position.” RCW 42.12.070(1).
Qualifications for City Council
Qualified candidates must:
Process for Filling the Vacancy
The City Council will follow the process outlined below:
April 28-May 5: Applications Accepted: Applications accepted from interested residents April 28, 2023 to 12PM Friday, May 5, 2023.
Applicants must submit a letter of interest, a resume including reference names and contact information, confirmation that the applicant meets the qualification requirements, explanation of any contracts that the applicant has entered into with the City of Ridgefield, Identification of any other public offices held, and a questionnaire. Application may be completed online by clicking here.
May 6-May 8: Selection of Candidates to Interview. Council will review applications to determine candidates who will move forward in the process.
May 11: Interview, Appointment and Swearing-In. At its regularly scheduled meeting, City Council will interview candidates and appoint a new Councilmember. The New Councilmember will be sworn in and attend the regularly scheduled Council meeting.
What is the process for Interviews and Appointment?
At the regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, May 11, 2023 selected candidates will be interviewed according to the following process:
Interviews:
- Council will select candidates to interview at a regularly scheduled public meeting
- Candidates not being interviewed will be asked to leave the room until it is their time to interview
- The applicant interview order will be random
- Candidate interview time limits will be determined based on the time available and the number of candidates
- Each council member may ask one question.
Council Discussion Following Interviews
- Council will move into executive session to discuss the qualifications of the candidates.
- After executive session Council may ask a select number of remaining candidates to make a brief statement prior to balloting
Appointment
Council will select the new council member using a two-round balloting process. The New Councilmember will be sworn in and attend the regularly scheduled Council meeting.
How long will the Council Appointee hold office?
Position 2 is scheduled to be voted on by Ridgefield residents during the November 7, 2023 election.
The winner of the November 7, 2023 election will serve a short term from November 28, 2023 (when the election is certified) through December 31, 2023. The winner will then serve a full 4-year term starting on January 1, 2024.
Thus, the appointee for Position 2 will serve from the date of appointment until November 28, 2023.